Digital fish weighing device

ABSTRACT

An electronic fish scale comprising a molded housing having upper and lower portions for supported hand grasping. An electronically controlled weight-sensing member and a viewable digital output screen are mounted within the housing. The output screen is electronically connected to the weight-sensing member whereby a weight held by gravity causes a digital numeric display on the output screen equal to the fish weight. A fish-engaging assembly extends downwardly from the weight-sensing member through an aperture formed in the bottom of the housing, and includes a pair of opposed c-shaped jaws. A longitudinally moveable jaw actuator is operably connected through a jaw control member via a rotation pin through diagonally extending aligned slots in the jaws whereby the jaws are opened when the jaw actuator is manually moved upwardly. A lower lip of a fish securely held and unhurt between the closed jaws will produce a digital display of the weight of the fish on the output screen. Housing contour facilitates hand-holding of the device and an array of unique digital data may be selectively displayed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Scope of Invention

[0002] The present invention is generally directed to fish-handlingequipment, and more particularly to a fish scale with digital read-outof one or more stored fish weight information and which includespivotally moveable opposing jaws which will engage the lower lip of thefish without harm.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

[0004] For the more serious fishermen and in tournament competition, theability to catch, weigh and release fish unharmed should be facilitatedby fish-handling tools for this purpose. Once a fish is caught andlanded, the precise weighing of the fish and the recordation of data isbest accomplished with a fishing tool which does not injure the fish sothat it may be returned to the sea.

[0005] One such device known to applicant was invented by Camp and isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,585. This patent teaches afish-handling tool having a complex structure which causes opposing jawsto pivotally move from an automatically locked closed position whereinthe distal lower ends of the jaws touch one another to an open positionwherein the lower lip of a fish may be positioned there between, afterwhich the releasing of a longitudinal actuator of the device causes thejaws to re-close on the lower lip. Thereafter, the Camp device isprovided with a conventional tubular spring scale with incrementalreadings for fish weight inscribed along an inner tubular member withinthe handle. However, this device has no means for the accurate digitalreading of fish weight and has no provision for the storing of data withrespect to each fish caught and weighed. Moreover, it is not buoyant.

[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,710, Parker teaches an electronic fishscale which utilizes the linear displacement of a spring along avariable resister to provide an electrical signal in proportion to theamount of weight of the fish hung therefrom. A pair of fish-handlingpliers is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,923 invented by Norton whichis structured similar to that of a conventional pair of Vice Gripshaving spaced jaws which come together over the lower lip of the fish,presumably without harming the fish.

[0007] A fish stringer with floating weight indicator is disclosed byColes in U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,808. This invention, which does not weigh afish, is generally directed to a conventional fish stringer having anopenable hook attached to one end and a floating weight indicatingdevice attached to the other end of the elongated flexible cord.Although this device does not actually weigh a fish, it includesrotatable discs each bearing numerical indicia which may be positionedto indicate the weight of the fish before it is placed in a live fishwell. The fisherman may then easily observe the weights of all of thefish in the well by simply looking at each of the floating weightindicating devices attached to the corresponding fish.

[0008] The present invention provides a fish scale which incorporatesall of the benefits of the above prior art with the addition of severaladded features. Preferably buoyant or floatable, the device includes adigital display which not only indicates the weight of a fish caught andhung therefrom, but also accumulates the weights of a number (“N”) offish and provides an aggregate weight and an ordered weight from highestto lowest or lowest to highest viewed sequentially as desired by thefisherman. Additionally, a warning signal is provided in the digitaldisplay screen that the weight limit of the device has been exceededwhich could lead to damage of its molded plastic housing or internalelectronic weighing components. A simplistic, yet effective design foropposing c-shaped openable jaws is also provided for harmlessly engagingthe lower lip of a fish while it is being weighed by the device.Moreover, the housing is ergonomically configured to facilitate handholding of the device while the jaws are opened and closed and while thefish is being held for weighing therefrom. An aperture is also providedto attach the device either to a rope or hook to facilitate fishweighing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This invention is directed to an electronic fish scale comprisinga molded housing having upper and lower portions for supported handgrasping. An electronically controlled weight-sensing member and aviewable digital output screen are mounted within the housing. Theoutput screen is electronically connected to the weight-sensing memberwhereby a weight held by gravity causes a digital numeric display on theoutput screen equal to the fish weight. A fish-engaging assembly extendsdownwardly from the weight-sensing member through an aperture formed inthe bottom of the housing, and includes a pair of opposed c-shaped jaws.A longitudinally moveable jaw actuator is operably connected through ajaw control member via a rotation pin through diagonally extendingaligned slots in the jaws whereby the jaws are opened when the jawactuator is manually moved upwardly. A lower lip of a fish securely heldand unhurt between the closed jaws will produce a digital display of theweight of the fish on the output screen. Housing contour facilitateshand-holding of the device and an array of unique digital data may beselectively displayed.

[0010] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a fishscale which is easily portable and hand-holdable during both fishengaging and fish weighing procedures.

[0011] It is another object of this invention to provide a fish scalehaving multi-function digital display screen and pivotally openable jawswhich are harmlessly engagable with the lower lip of a fish.

[0012] Still another object of this invention in its preferredembodiment is to provide a buoyant fish scale with non-harmful jawswhich engage the lower lip of a fish and which provides a multi-functiondigital L.C.D. readout display.

[0013] Still another object of this invention is to provide a fish scalewhich is ergonomically configured and surface textured to enhancegripability so that larger fish may be manually weighed without the needof attaching the device to a hook or a rope.

[0014] In accordance with these and other objects which will becomeapparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the invention.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the invention.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the invention.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a right side elevation view of the invention.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a left side elevation view of the invention.

[0023]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of theinvention which is connected to and continues with the other portionthereof on in FIG. 10.

[0024]FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the other portion ofthe invention which is connected to and continues from in FIG. 9.

[0025]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fish-engaging assembly (12).

[0026]FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the digital display screen ofthe invention.

[0027]FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of the invention in partialsection with the jaws closed.

[0028]FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view similar to FIG. 13 with the jawsopened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 to 8,the invention is there shown generally at numeral 10 and includes amolded plastic housing 11 formed of thin-wall molded ABS plastic in twohalves 14 and 16. The fish scale 10 of the present invention alsoincludes a fish-engaging assembly shown generally at numeral 12 alsoshown in FIG. 11 which includes a pair of identical jaws 22 and 24having lower distal portions 26 and 28 which meet at a center point 25along the longitudinal axis of the device 10. As best seen in FIGS. 3and 4, each of the jaws 22 and 24 are generally c-shaped with anupwardly extending leg portion 22 a and 24 a which is best seen in FIG.9.

[0030] The front half 14 of the housing 11 as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3,includes an opening through which a display (L.C.D.) panel or screen 32may be viewed. A plurality of control buttons are also provided whereby,at button 56, the device 10 may be activated and re-zeroed bysequentially pressing this button 56. Button 58 provides memory recallfor data stored in the electronic circuit of the invention describedherebelow, while button 60 will actually affect storage of the currentdata shown during on the digital screen 32 as a fish is being weighed.Button 52 provides a clearing of memory, while toggle 54 allows thedevice 10 to operate in either a metric mode or a U.S. mode of weightmeasurement.

[0031] An aperture 18 is formed transversely front-to-back through theupper portion of the housing and both of its halves 14 and 16 which maybe used for hanging the device 10 from a hook or a flexible rope or linewhich is attached to an overhead support.

[0032] The jaw actuating assembly 12 includes a flared molded plasticjaw actuator 30 which, when moved by finger or thumb pressure againstthe lower surface thereof, will cause it to move upwardly in thedirection of arrow D. The internal mechanism for accomplishing theopening of the jaws 22 and 24 by this movement of the jaw actuator 30will be described in more detail herebelow.

[0033] A battery cover 20 which is threadably disengagable for batteryreplacement is also provided and which is sealably engaged into cavity69, the rear housing half 16 as seen in FIG. 9 by an o-ring 118surrounding the perimeter of the battery cap 20 which holds a lithiumion battery 116 as best seen in FIG. 10.

[0034] The housing 11 of the device 10 is ergonomically configured asbest seen in FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8 such that the upper portion of thehousing is enlarged at 48 and having a central housing portion which isat its narrowest girth and width, enlarging slightly toward the lowerportion of the housing. This configuration, particularly the enlargedupper portion 48, greatly enhances the ease with which the device 10 maybe hand-held in one hand while finger or thumb grasping of the jawactuator 30 to effect opening and closing of the jaws 22 and 24 asdesired. Note further that, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the sideprofile 16 a of the rear housing half 16 is concaved to better receivethe palm of the user's hand, while a concaved upper portion 14 a of thefront housing half 14 is also concaved for better indexed fingerplacement and stability.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 12, a number of functions are provided bythe electronic control circuit which is positioned on a main circuitboard 62 in FIG. 9. The functions which are provided by this arrangementand digitally displayed at areas A, B and C of the digital displayscreen 32 are as follows:

[0036] weight of each fish

[0037] storage of fish weight while the fish is being weighed

[0038] sequentially weight ordering of up to “N” numbers of stored fishweights

[0039] recall of all fish weights sequentially by weight

[0040] override data currently stored

[0041] cumulative total of stored weights

[0042] weight limit exceeded

[0043] The “override” function will automatically erase the smallestweight fish stored in the electronic circuit when the “N+1” fish isweighed. If the “N plus 1” fish is larger than the smallest of thecurrently stored fish weights, this smallest one will be erased andreplaced with the weight of the “N plus 1” fish.

[0044] In order to protect the device 10 from physical harm, should anoverweight fish which would damage the device, either structurally orinternally, be placed between the jaws 22 and 24 and weighed, a seriesof dash lines will appear in the central portion B shown in FIG. 12rather than a digital weight amount. The user is then immediatelyadvised that the fish is too large to be lifted and weighed and shouldimmediately be unloaded and removed from the jaws 22 and 24.

[0045] Referring particularly to FIGS. 9 and 10, the components of theinvention 10 within the interior volume of the housing 11 formed ofhousing halves 14 and 16 includes the main circuit board 62 and liquidcrystal display (LCD) 32 which forms the display screen of theinvention. A molded button assembly includes the covers for controlbuttons 56, 58 and 60 while a separate molded button assembly includesthe lower buttons 52 and 54, the operation of which was previouslydescribed.

[0046] A sealed bezel 50 attached around the digital screen 32 insuresnot only decorative continuity but also provides a watertight sealbetween the aperture formed in the housing halve 14 and the bezel 50.

[0047] The battery cover 20 is rotatably lockable within the matingaperture in the rear housing half 16. Again, the o-ring 118 provides awatertight seal between the battery cap 20 and rear housing 16.

[0048] Buoyancy

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, the invention 10 is buoyant withouta fish being entrapped between the jaws 22 and 24. However, it is notintended that the device 10 remain buoyant or afloat should a large fishbe locked within the closed jaws 22 and 24 and the device 10 beinadvertently dropped into the water.

[0050] To effect buoyancy, a STYRAFOAM molded member 114 is provided. Asbest seen in FIG. 10, the flotation member 114 is molded of closed-cellSTYRAFOAM and the like is carefully configured to essentially fill allof the unoccupied interior volume between the housing halves 14 and 16.It has been determined that the sizing of the device as marketed willallow for this flotation member 114 to be approximately 5.2 cubicinches.

[0051] To further enhance buoyancy, a generally rectangular sealingmember 66 is positioned against a mating surface of the interior of thefront housing half 14 and against the perimeter of an intermediatehousing portion 68 which is also formed of molded ABS plastic. A batterycircuit board 64 with plug-in feature to circuit board 62 (not shown) islockingly engagable within the cylindrical battery cap-receiving portion69 of the intermediate housing portion 68. By this arrangement, aseparate airtight volume is effected which, when combined with theSTYRAFOAM flotation member 114, renders the device 10 substantiallybuoyant or floatable in either salt water or fresh water.

[0052] Percentage wise, it is estimated that the STYRAFOAM flotationmember 114 provides approximately ¾ or 75% of the buoyancy required,while the air chamber provides approximately one quarter or 25% of thebuoyancy needed to maintain the device 10 in a floating condition.

[0053] To help insure the gripability of the device 10 in use,especially with heavier fish and wet hands, separate contoured panels40, 42, 44 and 46 are provided which are attached to the correspondingouter contoured surfaces of each of the housing halves 14 and 16. Thesenon-slip panels 40, 42, 44 and 46 are preferably formed of SANTOPRENE byan over molding process. The outer textured surface of these SANTOPRENEpanels 40, 42, 44 and 46 provide a high level of non-skid grippingsurface for enhanced control of the device. Alternately, sprayelastomeric texturing may also be utilized for this purpose. Raised ribsadd to gripability.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 11, the jaw actuating assembly 12includes the opposingly oriented c-shaped jaws 22 and 24 formed ofmolded plastic or stamped metal, having the upwardly extending legs 22 aand 24 a, respectively. Holes 106 and 108 are formed at the upper end ofeach of these legs 24 a and 22 a, respectively. Each jaw 22 and 24 alsoincludes an acutely shaped slot 98 and 100, respectively. An elongatedu-shaped slotted jaw control member 86 is positioned between andsubstantially against each facing surfaces of the legs 24 a and 22 a,respectively, and includes an aperture 102 formed at the bottom thereof.Mating rivet halves 94 and 96 are lockingly engaged together through thealigned slots 98 and 100 and aperture 102 to slidably connect thesethree components together.

[0055] The molded jaw actuator 30 includes a longitudinal slot 91 formedtherethrough which matably receives the jaw control member 86 which isrigidly held in position with the aperture 102. The lower end of theslotted spacer 86 extends downwardly from the bottom of the jaw actuator30, held thusly by pins 90 which are secured in place through apertures88 formed at the upper ends of each of the legs of the slotted spacer 86and transverse holes 92 at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 80of jaw actuator 30.

[0056] An elongated, straight longitudinally extending actuator shaft 82slidably engages through the longitudinal aperture 91 and extendsupwardly therefrom. An aperture 110 at the lower end of the actuatorshaft 82 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 104 through holes 106 and108 formed adjacent the upper end of legs 24 a and 22 a, respectively.Thusly, actuator shaft 82 pivotally supports the jaws 22 and 24.

[0057] The upper end 84 of the actuator shaft 82 is snapingly engagedinto a slot 78 formed into one end of a molded lower support 76 of aload cell 74. The two are attached together by a threaded fastener 122.A return spring 85 with washers 128 and 130 positioned at either endthereof are slidably engaged over the actuator shaft 82 prior to itsengagement with the lower support 76.

[0058] Referring additionally to FIGS. 13 and 14, a molded upper loadcell support 72 is secured by a mechanical fastener 126 to theintermediate housing portion 68. The corresponding end of the load cell74 is secured by threaded fastener 124 to the lower surface of the upperload cell support 72. By this arrangement, a load placed between thejaws 22 and 24 will urge the actuator shaft 82 downwardly in thedirection of arrow F, placing a load upon the load cell 74. Thepreferred embodiment of the load cell 74 is available from Sensor Base,P/N SB-1A.

[0059] The load cell 74 produces an electrical output signal into outputwires (not shown for clarity) in proportion to the amount of weight inthe direction of arrow F. The signal wires are fed through an aperture70 formed through the intermediate housing portion 68 which is thensealed with silicone to insure that the airtight chamber remainswatertight. The load signal is then fed into the main circuit board 62.

[0060] Operation

[0061] Still referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the operation of the device10 is there shown. In FIG. 13, the jaws 22 and 24 are in an at-restposition and closed with the distal portions 26 and 28 contacting oneanother at 25. It is during this orientation with the lower lip of afish held between the closed jaws 22 and 24 that the downward force Fequal to the weight of the fish is placed upon the load cell 74 aspreviously described. Note that the fish weight is translated to theload cell 74 through pivot pin 104 into the longitudinal actuator shaft82.

[0062] The neck portion 80 of the jaw actuator 30 slidably moves withinan aperture 120 formed in the bottom of the housing 11 itself. This neckportion 80 includes flanges 81 which prevent the jaw actuator 30 frombeing inadvertently dislodged from within the housing by the shouldersof aperture 120 as shown.

[0063] To open the jaws in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 14, the usermerely grasps the main portion of the housing and then, either by thumbaction or forefinger action, moves the jaw actuator 30 upwardly in thedirection of arrow D. Because the pivot pin 104 is attached to theactuator shaft 82 which is anchored into the components of the load cellassembly, the jaws themselves 22 and 24 do not move upwardly. As aconsequence, the rotation pin 96, which is anchored through aperture102, is forced to slidably move along the diagonal slots 98 in each ofthe jaws 22 and 24. Note that the acute angle of these slots 98 isrelatively shallow and in the range of approximately 14° to thelongitudinal axis of the device. This is chosen so as to increase themechanical leverage and smoothness of the upward motion in the directionof arrow D required of the jaw actuator 30. Polishing and smoothness ofthese slidably interacting surfaces is also preferred.

[0064] Also note that, when the jaw actuator 30 is released and forceddownwardly into its at-rest position by return spring 85, the jaws 22and 24 are automatically mechanically locked together to securely retainthe lower lip of a fish which has been placed between the distal tips 26and 28.

[0065] While the instant invention has been shown and described hereinin what are conceived to be the most practical and preferredembodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefromwithin the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limitedto the details disclosed herein, but is to be afforded the full scope ofthe claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent apparatus andarticles.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic fish scale comprising: a moldedhousing defining an interior volume and having upper and lower portionsand adapted in exterior concaved side surface contour for supported handgrasping; an electronically controlled weight-sensing member mountedwithin said interior volume; a digital output screen held within saidinterior volume in close proximity to and extending over a portion ofone said exterior side surface, said output screen electronicallyconnected to said weight-sensing member whereby a weight held by gravityon said weight-sensing member causes a digital numeric display on saidoutput screen equal to the amount of the weight; a fish-engagingassembly connected to and extending from said weight-sensing memberthrough an aperture formed in said lower portion, said fish engagingmember including a pair of opposed jaws each having a generally c-shape,a distal end of each of said jaws touching one another when said jawsare closed in an at-rest position; said fish-engaging assembly alsoincluding a longitudinal moveable jaw actuator which enables a user toengage and move said jaw actuator longitudinally by use of the finger orthumb, said jaw actuator spring biased downwardly when at rest to closesaid jaws into the at-rest position; said jaws being opened when saidjaw actuator is manually moved upwardly into said housing, a lower lipof a fish positioned between opened said distal ends being securely heldand unhurt when said jaw actuator is released to close said jaws,whereupon a digital display of the weight of the fish is produced onsaid output screen when said fish scale is held to fully support thefish within said jaws.
 2. An electronic fish scale as set forth in claim1, wherein said fish scale is buoyant and further comprises: a moldedfoam flotation member sized and configured to fill a substantial portionof said interior volume.
 3. An electronic fish scale as set forth inclaim 2, further comprising: an airtight seal for maintaining awater-impervious air chamber between a front half of said molded housingand an intermediate housing panel; said air chamber contributing to thebuoyancy of said fish scale.
 4. An electronic fish scale as set forth inclaim 1, wherein: said flotation member contributes about 75% and saidair chamber contributes about 25% in establishing buoyancy of said fishscale.
 5. An electronic fish scale as set forth in claim 1, wherein:said electronic circuit also selectively produces digital data viewableon said output screen related to sequential weight of up to N numbers offish, cumulative weight of N numbers of fish, and indicia advising thatthe safe weight limit of said fish scale has been exceeded.
 6. Anelectronic fish scale as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said housingupper portion includes a molded-in hanging aperture whereby said fishscale may be hung or supported by a hook or rope.
 7. An electronic fishscale as set forth in claim 1, wherein said housing has arcuatelycontoured side surfaces which define a smaller central portion and anenlarged upper portion of said housing for enhanced gripability.
 8. Anelectronic fish scale as set forth in claim 7, wherein said housing sidesurfaces are high friction, low slip for enhanced gripability.
 9. Anelectronic fish scale as set forth in claim 8, wherein said housing sidesurfaces are formed of separate contoured panels attached to saidhousing.
 10. An electronic fish scale comprising: a molded housingformed of mating front and rear halves, said housing having upper andlower portions and adapted by exterior concaved side surfaces for handgrasping during use; an electronically controlled weight sensing membermounted within said interior volume operably connected by a controlcircuit to a digital output screen held within said interior volume inclose proximity to a mating viewing aperture formed through a centralportion of said front half, said output screen electronically connectedby said control circuit to said weight-sensing member whereby a fishheld by gravity downwardly from said weight-sensing member causes adigital numeric display on said output screen equal to the weight of thefish; a fish-engaging assembly extending downwardly through an apertureformed in said lower portion including a pair of opposed jaws eachhaving a generally c-shape with an upwardly extending leg which ispivotally connected to a lower end of an elongated longitudinallyextending actuator shaft, an upper end of said actuator shaft connectedto said weight-sensing member, a lower distal end of each of said jawstouching one another when said jaws are in a closed at-rest position;each said jaw having an elongated longitudinally extending slot formedtherethrough at a lower portion of said leg, each said slot having aportion thereof acutely angled with respect to a longitudinal axis ofsaid housing, said slots being in alignment and registry and acutelyoriented in opposite directions; said fish-engaging assembly alsoincluding a jaw actuator having a longitudinal aperture therethrough andbeing rigidly connected to an upper end of each of two upright legs ofan elongated u-shaped jaw control member, a lower end of said jawcontrol member having an aperture formed therethrough to receive arotation pin, said rotation pin also passing through each said slot saidjaw actuator being spring biased downwardly when at rest to close saidjaws into the at-rest position; said jaws being opened when, by slidingmovement of said rotation pin along the acutely oriented portion of eachsaid slot when said jaw actuator is manually moved upwardly into saidhousing, a lower lip of a fish positioned between opened said distalends being securely held and unhurt when said jaw actuator is releasedto close said jaws, whereupon a digital display of the weight of thefish is produced on said output screen when said fish scale is held tofully support the fish within said jaws.
 11. An electronic fish scale asset forth in claim 1, wherein said fish scale is buoyant and furthercomprises: a molded foam flotation member sized and configured to fill asubstantial portion of said interior volume.
 12. An electronic fishscale as set forth in claim 2, further comprising: an airtight seal formaintaining a water-impervious air chamber between a front half of saidmolded housing and an intermediate housing panel; said air chambercontributing to the buoyancy of said fish scale.
 13. An electronic fishscale as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said flotation membercontributes about 75% and said air chamber contributes about 25% inestablishing buoyancy of said fish scale.
 14. An electronic fish scaleas set forth in claim 1, wherein: said electronic circuit alsoselectively produces digital data viewable on said output screen relatedto sequential weight of up to N numbers of fish, cumulative weight of Nnumbers of fish, and indicia advising that the safe weight limit of saidfish scale has been exceeded.
 15. An electronic fish scale as set forthin claim 1, wherein: said housing upper portion includes a molded-inhanging aperture whereby said fish scale may be hung or supported by ahook or rope.
 16. An electronic fish scale as set forth in claim 1,wherein said housing has arcuately contoured side surfaces which definea smaller central portion and an enlarged upper portion of said housingfor enhanced gripability.
 17. An electronic fish scale as set forth inclaim 7, wherein said housing side surfaces are high friction, low slipfor enhanced gripability.
 18. An electronic fish scale as set forth inclaim 8, wherein said housing side surfaces are formed of separatecontoured panels attached to said housing.